Options In Enlarged Prostate Treatment

An enlarged prostate gland is not necessarily a serious problem, but it can warrant treatment if the symptoms begin to get in the way of everyday life. For example, some men with an enlarged prostate may find themselves getting up multiple times a night to use the restroom. The inability to empty the bladder completely may also result in multiple urinary tract infections. In these situations, men can find options in enlarged prostate treatment that will reduce symptoms so they can enjoy a higher quality of life. The good news is that there are many choices in enlarged prostate treatment today, so men have a good chance of finding a treatment that will work effectively for them.

Medication
Many doctors will often prescribe medication as the first course of enlarged prostate treatment, since it is the least invasive choice and often a very effective one. Some medications will not have any effect on the size of the prostate, but they will be very effective at keeping uncomfortable symptoms at bay. These types of medications, such as alpha blockers, are usually recommended for men with a moderately enlarged prostate. Most men who take these medications will often see improvement as quickly as a day or two.

Other medications, like alpha reductase inhibitors, will shrink the size of the prostate by reducing certain male hormone levels. This type of enlarged prostate treatment can take longer to work, but can have a great effect on urinary problems and may eliminate the need for surgery. Some of these medications will take as long as six to twelve months before a patient will be able to tell if they are working.

Surgery and Non-Surgical Procedures
If medication does not prove to be an effective enlarged prostate treatment, there are also medical procedures and surgery that can reduce the size of the prostate. Non-surgical methods can reduce the size of the prostate by using different forms of heat. These procedures can be performed in a doctor's office in an outpatient setting, and have been shown to be very effective enlarged prostate treatment. Surgery is still a good enlarged prostate treatment for men who are experiencing extremely uncomfortable symptoms. This method removes part of the prostate for instant symptom relief, but it is not without a significant degree of risk and discomfort.

If you are experiencing the symptoms of an enlarged prostate, talk to your doctor. After ruling out more serious causes for your symptoms, the two of you can work together to find the best enlarged prostate treatment for you.